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Did you know that the five stages of grief are also known as the Kübler-Ross model? Probably not if you’re not studying psychiatry or a similar field (so most of us). But yes, as the Cleveland Clinic reported, it is also known by its second title, named after the creator of the concept: Elisabeth Kübler-Ross. She was a Swiss-born American psychiatrist who researched the dying process throughout her career, including how their surviving relatives and loved ones were impacted. In her work studying humans who are dying, she came to really understand people and why they acted certain ways (or didn’t). And our quote of the day from Kübler-Ross highlights her belief in human nature and our innate ability to shine bright even in times of darkness.

Born in 1926 in Zurich, Switzerland, Kübler-Ross knew she wanted to be a doctor from a young age because of her work helping refugees from WWII. She eventually went against her father’s wishes to become a secretary, leaving home at 16 and joining the International Voluntary Service at 18 in 1945, according to the National Library of Medicine. She graduated from medical school at the University of Zurich in 1957. 

Decades later, when she was an assistant professor of psychiatry at the Billings Hospital (associated with the University of Chicago) in the ‘60s, she witnessed the fact that many healthcare professionals didn’t discuss death with patients. This got her interested in the concept of dying, and preparing for it or understanding it, which jump-started her research.

As the Elisabeth Kübler-Ross Foundation reported, her “groundbreaking” 1969 book, On Death and Dying, is where she introduced the world to her important “Five Stages of Grief": denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. This model has been majorly influential in so many fields. 

Today’s quote focuses on Kübler-Ross’s thoughts on how beautiful people are and that they can really show their true nature in hard times.

Related: Quote of the Day: Psychologist Gordon Allport on Humor Being the Best Way To Fight Life’s ‘Tangles’

Quote of the Day by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

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“People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.”

As quoted in The Leader's Digest: Timeless Principles for Team and Organization (2003) by Jim Clemmer, in Chapter 4, titled “Authenticity.” 

Clemmer writes that “our values are most truly revealed when times are toughest.” He then quotes Kübler-Ross, noting that she once said the above line.

Related: Quote of the Day by Elsie Lincoln Benedict: ‘Each One of the World’s Great Successes Was a Failure First'

Deeper Meaning of Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’s Quote—Inner Light and Resilience

This Kübler-Ross quote is a strikingly beautiful sentiment that perfectly illustrates human beings and inner light. It also might give a little hope and humanity to those who might not be at their brightest right now. 

This quote reminds us that we are all gorgeous like stained-glass: hand-made works of art that sometimes tell stories and often live in beautiful cathedrals or historic buildings. But that’s not where the similarities stop. 

Stained-glass windows are obviously transparent enough to let light through both ways: from outside, thanks to natural light, and from the inside at night when the lights are turned on in whatever building they’re adorning. And Kübler-Ross notes that humans are also like that, able to accept light from external places and from within.

It’s really easy to bask in the light that an outside source might give you—whether that’s from a partner, a parent, your boss or even just innate pride at something you did well. But life isn’t always sunshine and rainbows, unfortunately. So when “darkness sets in”—maybe in the form of a bad day, a personal loss, a major disappointment or mental illness, just to name a few examples—you can still shine bright. You’re still a gorgeous glass art piece; the light source just has to come from inside of you. 

Basically, this quote is saying that it’s important to understand who you are and have self-confidence that allows you to stand on your own, even (and especially) in trying times. Not vanity or arrogance, but an inner light that consists of strength and self-assurance.

Related: Quote of the Day: Stoic Philosopher Marcus Aurelius on Having ‘Power Over Your Mind—Not Outside Events’

More Quotes from Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

• “Live, so you do not have to look back and say: ‘God, how I have wasted my life.’”
• “It is difficult to accept death in this society because it is unfamiliar. In spite of the fact that it happens all the time, we never see it.”
• “Those who learned to know death, rather than to fear and fight it, become our teachers about life.”
• “Every individual human being born on this earth has the capacity to become a unique and special person, unlike any who has ever existed before or ever will exist again.”
• “I always say that death can be one of the greatest experiences ever. If you live each day of your life right, then you have nothing to fear.”
• “Our only purpose in life is growth. There are no accidents.”

Up Next:

Related: Quote of the Day: Ralph Waldo Emerson on Self-Reliance and Staying True to Yourself

Long before the first episode of HBO's Harry Potter series reaches screens this Christmas, the show's second chapter is already seeing some changes.

The season, which will adapt Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, has entered one of the messiest phases of any production: recasting. Gracie Cochrane, who was announced as Ginny Weasley during the series' original casting round, has departed the role. Fans who've been tracking every announcement since 2024 now face the peculiar reality that one face they'd mentally filed away as 'their Ginny' won't appear in that role after all. The Harry Potter series has been renewed for a second season, with filming expected to begin in the fall.

But the Ginny news isn't the only thing stirring up the fandom this week. Sources say Harry Potter casting directors Lucy Bevan and Emily Brockmann are searching for a young actor to play Colin Creevey in Season 2, with auditions already underway. For readers of J.K. Rowling's novels, that name might be welcome addition. Colin Creevey, the endlessly enthusiastic boy who idolized Harry Potter and couldn't stop photographing him, never appeared in any of the original eight films. He existed only on the page, and his antics against the students of Hogwarts have never been seen in a film adaptation of Harry Potter.

Related: Daniel Radcliffe's Paralyzed Stunt Double Is Telling His Harry Potter Story in an Unexpected Way

Peeves the Poltergeist, another character cut from the films, was just cast for Season 1, signaling that the HBO series is adapting Rowling's world more completely than the films. Colin Creevey potentially carries even more emotional weight. Creevey is a recurring character in six of J.K. Rowling's novels, meaning the Hogwarts student could become a fixture in the HBO series, which is aiming to adapt every book. Fans of the series will remember without needing to be reminded what ultimately happens to Colin, which makes the announcement even more interesting.

Season 1, titled Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, will premiere on Christmas Day in 2026 on HBO and HBO Max. The full cast includes Dominic McLaughlin as Harry, Arabella Stanton as Hermione, and Alastair Stout as Ron, with John Lithgow as Dumbledore, Nick Frost as Hagrid, and Paapa Essiedu as Snape among the adults. Jon Brown has been elevated from writer on Season 1 to co-showrunner for Season 2 alongside Francesca Gardiner.

Quite a lot of movement on a show that hasn't released yet. A recast and an open call, both announced before a single frame has aired suggests a production that is already thinking very seriously about what comes next, rather than waiting for reactions to season 1. That kind of confidence (or pressure) tends to produce either the most careful work a franchise has ever done, or the most chaotic. For a series with this much history attached to it, Harry Potter fans will be watching closely either way.

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Tammy Wynette, often regarded as the “First Lady of Country,” built one of the most defining catalogs of the genre. Helping shape the country sound of the late 1960s and 1970s, she delivered a string of timeless hits such as “D-I-V-O-R-C-E,” “I Don’t Wanna Play House,” and “‘Til I Can Make It On My Own.”

But it’s the loyalty-driven anthem, “Stand By Your Man,” that ultimately stands as her signature song. 

Written alongside Billy Sherrill, who had signed her to Epic Records, “Stand By Your Man,” according to a report by Garden & Gun, was originally titled “I’ll Stand By You.” However, after a title change, the pair got to work, penning the song rather quickly. 

“We wrote the song in about twenty minutes,” Wynette confirmed, per the outlet’s citing of a 1994 interview. 

Sonically, “Stand By Your Man” puts the late Wynette’s vocals front and center as she showcases her soft, gentle yet emotional voice over a simple melody. Lyrically, the tune embraces the idea of remaining committed to a relationship with a man, despite his flaws or mistakes. 

At the time, Wynette, who was in a relationship with George Jones, following two divorces, faced controversy due to the lyrics of the song, which drew criticism as it was released during the rise of the women's liberation movement in the late ‘60s.

Wynette, who insisted she had no intention of writing a song to make a social statement, also claimed Jones disliked "Stand By Your Man,” according to American Songwriter, which stated that she explained in a 1978 interview: “I went home and played it for George, and he didn’t like it. He didn’t know I’d written it, so I asked him what he didn’t like, and he said, ‘I dunno, I just don’t care for the song.’ That kinda got me started off wrong with ‘Stand By Your Man,’ but it’s grown on me now.” 

Despite the lack of support from various folks in the beginning, “Stand by Your Man” has gone on to become a timeless classic.

Along with many other accomplishments, the tune ranked at No. 473 on Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.” Released in September of 1968, “Stand by Your Man” also peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart before crossing over into pop, reaching No. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Related: 1989 No. 1 Hit, Reviving a Nearly Broken-Up Band, Remains a Timeless Party Anthem 37 Years Later

Today's NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle is easy to solve if you're a FIFA fanatic. Get excited—there's another New York Times game to add to your daily routine! Those of us word game addicts who already play Wordle, Connections, Strands and the Mini Crossword now have Connections Sports Edition to add to the mix.

So, if you're looking for some hints and answers for today's Connections Sports Edition on Sunday, June 21, 2026, you've come to the right place.

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Today's NYT Connections Sports Puzzle for Sunday, June 21, 2026 / New York Times

The New York Times

What Is Connections Sports Edition?

Connections Sports Edition is just like the regular Connections word puzzle, in that it's a game that resets at 12 a.m. EST each day and has 16 different words listed. It's up to you to figure out each group of four words that belong to a certain category, with four categories in total.

This new version is sports-specific, however, as a partnership between The New York Times and The Athletic.

As the NYT site instructs, for Connections Sports Edition, you "group sports terms that share a common thread."

Related: The 26 Funniest NYT Connections Game Memes You'll Appreciate if You Do This Daily Word Puzzle

Hints for Today's Connections Sports Edition Categories on June 21, 2026

Here are some hints about the four categories to help you figure out the word groupings.

• Yellow: Stars.
• Green: Bucs is another one.
• Blue: Think World Cup.
• Purple: Fore!

Here Are Today's Connections Sports Edition Categories

OK, time for a second hint…we'll give you the actual categories now. Spoilers below!

• Yellow: A TEAM'S BEST PLAYERS
• Green: INFORMAL NICKNAMES FOR NFL TEAMS
• Blue: BRAZILLIAN SOCCER GREATS
• Purple: OLD TERMS FOR GOLF CLUBS

If you're looking for the answers, no worries—we've got them below. So, don't scroll any further if you don't want to see the solutions!

The answers to today's Connections Sports Edition #636 are coming up next.

Related: 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day

What Are the Answers to Connections Sports Edition Today?

• A TEAM'S BEST PLAYERS: A-TEAM, FIRST STRING, REGULARS, STARTERS
• INFORMAL NICKNAMES FOR NFL TEAMS: BOLTS, G-MEN, PACK, VIKES
• BRAZILLIAN SOCCER GREATS: KAKÁ, MARTA, PELÉ, RONALDINHO
• OLD TERMS FOR GOLF CLUBS: BRASSIE, CLEEK, MASHIE, NIBLICK

Don't worry if you didn't get them this time—we've all been there.

Up next, catch up on the answers to recent Wordle puzzles.

Related: We Asked 3 Chefs the Best Thing To Make With Canned Chicken, and They All Said the Same Thing

Today's NYT Strands puzzle comes with three free drink tickets to use during your stay. Move over, Wordle, Connections, Connections Sports Edition, and Mini Crossword—there’s a new NYT word game in town! The New York Times' recent game, "Strands," is becoming increasingly popular as another daily activity fans can find on the NYT website and app.

With daily themes and "spangrams" to discover, this is the latest addictive game to cross off your to-do list before a new one pops up 24 hours later.

We'll cover exactly how to play Strands, hints for today's Spangram, and all of the answers for Strands #840 on Sunday, June 21.

How to Play Strands

The New York Times

According to the New York Times, here's exactly how to play Strands:

Find theme words to fill the board.

• Theme words stay highlighted in blue when found.
• Drag or tap letters to create words. If tapping, double-tap the last letter to submit.
• Theme words fill the board entirely. No theme words overlap.

Find the “spangram.”

• The spangram describes the puzzle's theme and touches two opposite sides of the board. It may be two words.
• The spangram highlights in yellow when found.
• An example spangram with corresponding theme words: PEAR, FRUIT, BANANA, APPLE, etc.

Need a hint?

• Find non-theme words to get hints.
• For every three non-theme words you find, you earn a hint.
• Hints show the letters of a theme word. If there is already an active hint on the board, a hint will show that word's letter order.

What Is Today's Strands Hint for the Theme: "That's included!"

A hint for today's Strands game: But you'll have to pay for the minibar.

What Are Today's NYT Strands Hints?

Warning: Spoilers ahead!

In today's puzzle, there are six theme words to find (including the spangram). Here are the first two letters for each word:

• LA
• SA
• FR
• BR
• IN
• HO (SPANGRAM)

NYT Strands Spangram Hint: Is It Vertical or Horizontal?

Today's Spangram is a mix of horizontal and vertical.

NYT Strands Spangram Answer for June 21

Today's Spangram answer on Today's NYT 'Strands' Hints, Spangram and Answers for Sunday, June 21, 2026, isHOTELAMENITIES

What Are Today's NYT Strands Answers, Word List for Sunday, June 21?

• LAUNDRY
• SAFE
• FRIDGE
• BREAKFAST
• INTERNET
• SPANGRAM: HOTELAMENITIES

Related: Pizza Hut to Be Sold in Massive $2.7 Billion Deal—What It Could Mean for Your Next Slice

Today's NYT Connections is "The One Where You Solve the Puzzle in Record Time." There's nothing quite as exhilarating as the feeling of completing the daily New York Times Wordle, Strands, Mini Crossword and Connections Sports Edition word games in one fell swoop. But sometimes that can be easier said than done. If you need help with today's Connections puzzle, keep reading.

Spoilers ahead! We've warned you. We mean it. Read no further until you really want some clues or you've completely given up and want the answers ASAP. Get ready for all of today's NYT 'Connections’ hints and answers for #1106 onSunday, June 21, 2026.

Today's NYT Connections Puzzle for Sunday, June 21, 2026 / New York Times

The New York Times

If you've been having trouble with any of the connections or words in Sunday's puzzle, you're not alone, and these hints should definitely help you out. Plus, I'll reveal the answers further down.

Related: The 26 Funniest NYT Connections Game Memes You'll Appreciate if You Do This Daily Word Puzzle

Hints About Today's NYT Connections Categories on Sunday, June 21

1. "Today's forecast is..."
2. Like the contestants on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.
3. From the network that brought you SNL and The Office.

Related: 300 Trivia Questions and Answers to Jumpstart Your Fun Game Night

Ready for the answers? Scroll below this image (the image that represents your very appreciated patience!).

iStock

Today's Connections Game Answers for Sunday, June 21:

1. PRECIPITATION: DRIZZLE, RAIN, SHOWERS, SPRINKLES
2. BOWLS OVER: FLOORS, ROCKS, STUNS, SURPRISES
3. NBC SITCOMS: COMMUNITY, FRIENDS, SCRUBS, WINGS
4. STARTING WITH KINDS OF INSULTS: BARBADOS, DIGGITY, DISSECT, SLAPDASH

How'd you do?

Up Next:

- 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day
- Hints, Clues and Answers to the NYT's 'Mini Crossword' Puzzle

Did You Miss a Few Days? Let's Catch You Up With Recent Connections Answers

Related: The Best Starbucks Ordering Hack for Cheaper Drinks, According to Baristas

Today's NYT Wordle answer requires you to have a good defense. But the day just isn't complete until I've solved all of the free word games from the New York Times, including Connections, Connections Sports Edition, Strands, and Mini Crossword. And, of course, I can’t forget about Wordle, too! If you’re stuck on today’s Wordle answer, we’re here to help—but beware of spoilers for Wordle #1828 ahead.

Let's start with a few hints.

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How many vowels are in today's Wordle?

There are three vowels in today's five-letter word.

What kind of letter does today's Wordle start with?

Today's Wordle begins with a vowel.

Are there any double letters?

There are double letters in today's Wordle.

Can you give another hint about today's Wordle

A hint for today's Wordle is: "Where were you last Saturday at 11:47am?"

OK, that's it for hints—I don't want to totally give it away before revealing the answer!

Related: 16 Games Like Wordle To Give You Your Word Game Fix More Than Once Every 24 Hours

We'll have the answer below this friendly reminder of how to play the game.

SPOILERS BELOW—do not scroll any further if you don't want the answer revealed.

The New York Times

Today's Wordle Answer for #1828 on Sunday, June 21, 2026.

Today's Wordle answer on Sunday, June 21, 2026, is ALIBI.

-If you missed it, catch up with the answer to yesterday’s Wordle.

Related: Every 5 Letter Word Wordle Hasn't Used Yet (Updated Daily)

With July 4 just around the corner, you might be wondering where to stock up on holiday-themed snacks. And if you're planning to celebrate throughout the weekend, it helps to shop somewhere that makes it easy to grab all your party essentials in one trip.

Of course, few places are better equipped for a celebration than Costco. And as luck would have it, the warehouse giant is already rolling out a lineup of holiday favorites, including Olivia's Cake Pop Variety 12-Count Box. Available in stores for $9.99, with reports of even lower prices in some regions, this fan-favorite baked treat is a whimsical holiday must-have that the whole family can enjoy.

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Olivia's Cake Pop Variety 12-Count Box, $9.99 at Costco View this post on Instagram

Spotted by @costcohotfinds, who immediately raved about the pop's unexpectedly good taste, Olivia's newest Cake Pop Variety Box features a 12-count of bite-sized cake balls coated in icing and served on a stick in festive red, white and blue designs. Perfect for both holiday gatherings and solo indulging alike, these tasty baked treats come in a 16-ounce plastic container that helps keep them fresh longer.

Adding to their festive appearance, each pop's moist cake center is also different from the next. Red features double chocolate cake, white comes with vanilla cake and blue with vanilla confetti cake, each finished with a dusting of red, white and blue sprinkles. Even better, they're made with no artificial colors or flavorings and are certified nut-free, making them a crowd-pleasing treat that can work for a wide range of party guests.

Related: Costco's New $10 Find Is a Korean-Inspired Easy Dinner Staple

What Shoppers Are Saying

“I actually couldn’t believe how good these are,” Laura said in her video, which quickly gathered loads of intrigued fan reactions.

“These are delicious,” one person said. “Ahhhh cake pops are my weakness,” another exclaimed.

Some viewers also noted they had spotted the pops at their local warehouse for even less than $10.

“They are $4.97 now,” one person wrote, to which another said, “These were marked down at my store to $3.97.”

“Oh wow,” another fan added. “ They would be good for a kids party. Just wrap them in plastic with a bow and you're done! NICE!”

If you’re eyeing these up for your own July 4 celebrations, you ought to head to your local warehouse sooner rather than later before they sell out. And if you have the space in your freezer, we suggest stocking up on extras, freezing them now and then thawing them out come the holiday weekend.

While you’re there, keep your eyes peeled for more sweet treats, like Costco’s Lemon Blondie Dessert Bars and Lemon Raspberry Loaf.

Related: Trader Joe's $4 Easy Breakfast Brings a Touch of Luxury to Busy Mornings

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Summer travel often means you're constantly on the move, which makes your choice of bag more important than you might think. A good travel bag should be comfortable enough to wear for hours, organized enough to keep essentials within easy reach, and secure enough to give you peace of mind in crowded places. While traditional purses certainly have their place, a sporty crossbody sling often makes more sense for airports, public transit, sightseeing, and long days spent exploring. 

One thoughtfully designed option is the Adidas Essentials 3 Crossbody Sling Bag. Right now, it's on sale for up to 46% off at Amazon ahead of Prime Day, which runs from June 23 through June 26. With prices discounted by more than $20, it's a great opportunity to grab a practical travel companion before summer adventures get underway.

Adidas Essentials 3 Crossbody Sling Bag, $26 (was $48) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

The bag comes in 13 different colors, ranging from versatile neutrals like black, beige, and gray to brighter shades like pink and green. Made from 100% polyester with a polyester lining, it has a lightweight, durable construction that can handle everyday wear without weighing you down.

Its compact size is one of its biggest strengths. Measuring 7.5 inches long, 2.8 inches wide, and 12.8 inches tall, the bag offers a 5-liter capacity that easily holds daily essentials while maintaining a slim, low-profile silhouette. The adjustable crossbody strap extends up to 60 inches, making it easy to customize the fit whether you prefer wearing it across your chest or lower at your hip.

Organization is another major highlight. Multiple zippered compartments help keep your belongings sorted and easy to find. There's room for your phone, wallet, keys, sunglasses, lip balm, hand sanitizer, headphones, and other small necessities without everything getting jumbled together.

One particularly smart feature is the dedicated phone pocket built directly into the strap. Instead of constantly unzipping the main compartment, you can quickly access your phone for boarding passes, transit tickets, event check-ins, mobile payments, or directions while on the go. It's a small detail that makes a big difference during busy days.

Comfort was clearly a priority in the design. The padded, adjustable strap helps distribute weight evenly, making the bag comfortable for extended wear. At under 1 pound when empty, it won't add unnecessary bulk, and the durable polyester exterior can easily be wiped clean with a damp cloth between uses.

Its versatility extends well beyond travel. The sling works equally well as a gym bag, hiking companion, festival bag, concert accessory, everyday errand bag, or weekend outing essential. Its streamlined design makes it suitable for active lifestyles while still looking polished enough for daily use.

One shopper dubbed it their “go-to vacation bag,” writing, “It is compact yet spacious enough for essentials and fits under jackets or shirts discreetly."Another described it as “well-made,” sharing, “There are plenty of pockets in the bag, and the stitching and material makes it feel pretty secure."

Shop More Deals

• Capolo Fanny Pack, $10 (was $18) at Amazon
• Bagsmart Crossbody Bag, $16 (was $25) at Amazon
• Puma Myriad Sling, From $17 (was $30) at Amazon

Related: Amazon's 'Stunning' $9 Crossbody Bag Is Perfect for Summer Travel and Comes in 7 'Classy' Styles

For a practical, comfortable, and travel-friendly bag you'll reach for again and again, the Adidas Essentials 3 Crossbody Sling Bag is an excellent choice. With Amazon's current 46% discount ahead of Prime Day, now's a great time to pick one up for summer.

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week.

On June 20, 1989, 37 years ago, The B-52’s released what would become one of the biggest party anthems of all time — “Love Shack.” 

An unexpected hit, the uptempo song followed a rough time for the band, who had taken a hiatus and were uncertain if they would ever get back together again following a period of commercial decline and the loss of their bandmate, guitarist Ricky Wilson, who died from AIDS-related complications in 1985. 

“Love Shack,” credited to all remaining members of The B-52’s — Kate Pierson, Cindy Wilson, Fred Schneider, and Keith Strickland — appears on the band’s Cosmic Thing album, which followed four prior projects. They are Bouncing Off the Satellites, Whammy!, Wild Planet, and their self-titled album, The B-52’s.

Surprisingly, “Love Shack” almost didn’t make it onto the album, as it was the last song recorded for the project. 

Inspired by a funky club called the Hawaiian Ha-Le outside of the band’s birthplace in Athens, Georgia, “Love Shack” is, as Pierson describes: “Just like a shack out in the country,” according to American Songwriter, who sourced a 2019 documentary by Top 2000 a gogo on Dutch Public Television:

“The idea of the ‘Love Shack’ was just kind of a club out in the, just like a shack out in the country, where anyone could go, inclusive, you know, be sexy, be free, dance, sweat, have fun together. If you’re not into that, then stay away, fool,” she joked, incorporating a line from the song. “When we jammed on ‘Love Shack,’ we had a tape rolling, and sometimes it would loop over and over, and we would just jam. But there was no chorus – the love shack is a little old place – that happened once. And so Fred and I had a little sort of argument about the chorus, [it] has to happen more. So when we did the chorus a few times, it sort of all came together.”

Produced by Don Was, “Love Shack,” which featured the popular “tin roof rusted” lyric, became a major commercial hit and the band’s signature song, peaking at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, where it spent a total of 27 weeks. The beloved track also reached a global audience, topping the charts in Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand.

Related: 1987 Power Ballad, an Overlooked Prom Anthem, Remains a Nostalgic Classic 39 Years Later

You'll solve today's NYT Mini Crossword puzzle in no time if you have a hard time eating ice cream. Working on the daily Connections, Connections Sports Edition, Wordle, and Strands is a whole ritual for many of us. And we can't forget about the NYT's The Mini Crossword, too!

Although the NYT is known for "The Crossword," a larger puzzle for paid subscribers, The Mini has quite the fan following as well. This particular game resets at 10 p.m., unlike some of the others that start over at midnight.

So, if you're working on today's Mini Crossword on Sunday, June 21, and need some help (I've been there), get ready to read the clues and solutions for each line. We have them separated into hints first for both "Across" and "Down" words, followed by "Across Answers" and "Down Answers," so be careful if you want to avoid spoilers as you scroll!

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Hints for NYT’s The Mini Crossword on Sunday, June 21, 2026

Here are additional clues for each of the words in today's Mini Crossword.

NYT Mini Across Hints

1 Across: "Black" or "Yellow" dog, familiarly — HINT: Starts with the letter "L"

4 Across: No-no for the lactose intolerant —HINT: Ends with the letter "Y"

6 Across: On the ocean — HINT: Ends with the letter "A"

7 Across: Subway commuter's annoyance — HINT: Starts with the letter "D"

8 Across: Like the logos of Marvel and Netflix — HINT: Ends with the letter "D"

Related: 16 Games Like Wordle To Give You Your Word Game Fix More Than Once Every 24 Hours

NYT Mini Down Hints

1 Down: 'See ya!' — HINT: Starts with the letter "L"

2 Down: Pathway for an airplane beverage cart — HINT: Ends with the letter "E"

3 Down: No-no for the gluten-free — HINT: Starts with the letter "B"

4 Down: Apt palindrome for Father's Day— HINT: Starts with the letter "D"

5 Down: Apt palindrome for Father's Day — HINT: Ends with the letter "Y"

Answers to NYT’s The Mini Crossword for Sunday, June 21, 2026

Don't go any further unless you want to know exactly what the correct words are in today's Mini Crossword.

NYT Mini Across Answers

1 Across: "Black" or "Yellow" dog, familiarly — LAB

4 Across: No-no for the lactose intolerant —DAIRY

6 Across: On the ocean — ATSEA

7 Across: Subway commuter's annoyance — DELAY

8 Across: Like the logos of Marvel and Netflix — RED

NYT Mini Down Answers

1 Down: 'See ya!' — LATER

2 Down: Pathway for an airplane beverage cart — AISLE

3 Down: No-no for the gluten-free — BREAD

4 Down: Apt palindrome for Father's Day— DAD

5 Down: Apt palindrome for Father's Day — YAY

Related: We Asked 3 Chefs the Best Thing To Make With Canned Chicken, and They All Said the Same Thing

Fans of The Strokes, a popular rock band that was formed in the late 1990s, have been excitedly counting down the days until they can finally listen to the group's new album, Reality Awaits. The record will be the band's first in six years, and it was originally set to come out on June 26.

But in early June, The Strokes surprised fans when it was announced that the album was officially delayed. Instead of the late June release date, it was pushed back to July 24. At the time, the band didn't give a reason for the delay. But according to a new comment from guitarist Albert Hammond Jr., there was a very simple and understandable reason for the decision.

Hammond responded to a fan in a since-deleted comment on X about the change in release date. As reported by NME, he explained that the album was delayed four weeks so that the digital release would coincide with the release of the vinyl version of Reality Awaits. It's unclear why Hammond went on to delete the reply.

The Strokes have already released two singles from the album, "Going Shopping" and "Falling Out Of Love."

Related: ’80s Cult Rock Band Returning With First New Music in 36 Years

In late May, Hammond interacted with fans in a similar way on Instagram after he posted imagery for the second single. Fans' reactions to the two new tracks have been decidedly mixed, and in the comments, Hammond shared his honest thoughts on the upcoming album.

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One fan commented, "Albert I know you don't like it bro you can tell us." In response, Hammond wrote, "it’s my favorite album we’ve ever done. I can’t express how beautiful it is. I listen to the whole thing and wanna start from the beginning again. It grows and grows and becomes intoxicatingly good."

Reality Awaits will have nine tracks total, with a few other titles including, "Going to Babble On," "Lonely in the Future," and "Tyrants of the Mellow Moon." The Strokes also recently embarked on their new world tour.

Related: ’80s Rock Icon Shares the 'Brutal Truth' About Aging Rock Legends Who Keep Taking the Stage

In 1980, British rock band The Jam released a song that would go on to become one of the most career-defining tracks in their discography.

"That's Entertainment" features on the band's fifth studio album, Sound Affects, which was released in Nov. 1980. While the song was never officially released as a single in the U.K. or the U.S., the beloved track still managed to reach No. 21 on the Official Singles Chart after fans had imported thousands of non-U.K. pressings from Germany. This accomplishment made it one of the best-selling imported singles in U.K. chart history.

Covered by many renowned artists, includingMorrissey and Billy Bragg, the track has influenced the music industry for decades. In 2004, it was voted No. 303 on Rolling Stone's famed "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" list. "The lads hit hardest with this acoustic lament, with Weller brooding over the heartaches of everyday working-class life," the publication wrote.

Although some songs take a while to perfect, front man Paul Weller proved that this isn't always the case — penning the hit in just an impressively short amount of time.

"I wrote it in ten mins flat, whilst under the influence, I’d had a few but some songs just write themselves," the musician told Absolute Radio, per Far Out. "It was easy to write, I drew on everything around me."

The acoustic track was a departure from The Jam's signature punk-mod sound. Bassist Bruce Foxton recalled the moment when Weller played him the song for the first time.

"[Paul] pretty much had it as you hear it," he told Total Guitar in 2011. "He sat down and played it on acoustic guitar. My first impression was that it was a great storyline. I loved the lyric, like I do most of Paul’s lyrics."

While The Jam disbanded in 1982, Foxton carries on the band's legacy with From The Jam, where he often performs some of his former band's best tunes. Of course, this includes "That's Entertainment," which has been played hundreds of times across recent U.K. and international tours.

Related: Legendary '70s Rock Band Performs Classic Song for First Time in 47 Years

Deep Purple is giving fans a closer look at the making of its highly anticipated new album.

The legendary hard rock band has released a new behind-the-scenes video offering an inside preview of Splat!, which arrives July 3. The feature includes exclusive studio footage and interviews with the band as they discuss the creative process behind the album, which is being released while Deep Purple continues its extensive 2026 world tour.

“I think we are an album band and albums are tough because to us and to our hardcore fans an album is a snapshot of time that a song can’t necessarily do,” said bassist Roger Glover. "Splat! to me sounds like an end of something. To move forward you have to have an end to something in order to move forward."

The new video also sheds light on the meaning behind the album's unusual title.

"Splat! is a title I found in one of my old notebooks from two or three albums ago," shared frontman Ian Gillan. "It's been around for quite a while but up until now it always sounded a bit terminal to me, and I couldn’t find anything positive about it until proving down the concept of metamorphosis. It's about humanity's reached its peak on this planet. There's so many of us. So all of a sudden we metamorphosize into our metaphysical state."

Produced once again by longtime collaborator Bob Ezrin, Splat! marks Deep Purple's 24th studio album and follows 2024's =1. The record revisits the dynamics and spirit of Deep Purple's classic early-1970s sound while exploring the concept of transformation rather than destruction.

The album arrives during one of the busiest years of the band’s career. Deep Purple's 2026 world tour includes more than 80 performances across Europe and North America, supporting a record that the band has described as its heaviest in years.

"It's now very positive and optimistic because the future is bright," said Gillan. "It feels like a very now, now, now version of Deep Purple as it was in the '70s."

More than five decades after helping define hard rock, Deep Purple continues to look forward as much as it reflects on its past. With Splat! just weeks away and a worldwide tour already underway, the new behind-the-scenes preview offers fans an early glimpse into the next chapter of the band's remarkable career.

Related: 1977 Rock Song, Lasting Nearly 17 Minutes, Remains a Classic 49 Years Later

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A coffee table can pull an entire room together, especially when it offers both farmhouse charm and extra storage space. Right now, the bestselling Chvans Farmhouse Square Lift-Top Coffee Table is on sale at Walmart, starting at $112, down from $210. It comes in five colors, including black and brown, blue and brown, brown, gray, and white and brown. The white and brown option is currently the lowest price, though prices vary by color.

This versatile table measures 35.6 inches long, 35.6 inches wide, and 18.5 inches high. It’s made from particleboard, so it wipes clean easily, and it has a 1.2-inch-thick tabletop, a 3-inch-thick reinforced base, and a 140-pound max load capacity. The lift-top design raises the surface to about 24 inches above the ground, making it easier to use as a work surface, snack table, or casual dining spot. It also has two USB ports, two output ports, and hidden storage under the top for blankets, remotes, board games, and other living room clutter.

Chvans Farmhouse Square Lift-Top Coffee Table, $112 (was $210) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Its barn-inspired shape, wood-grain style, and metal corner accents give the table a very cozy, rustic feel that works with farmhouse, modern, and vintage-inspired rooms. The hidden storage also makes it especially helpful in smaller spaces, since you can tuck away anything that usually ends up scattered across the couch or floor. 

Shoppers have described the table as “very sturdy” and “absolutely gorgeous.” One person said it “looks very expensive” and “has so much storage space,” while another noted it’s a “great space saver.” Others mentioned that it’s easy to assemble, works well in small spaces, and has plenty of room for blankets, pillows, and kids’ toys.

This table would be perfect in a living room, home office, or small apartment. The lift-top design is also convenient if you work from the couch sometimes or like having a raised surface for snacks, a laptop, or a drink. The charging ports are another helpful feature for anyone whose phone is always dying, and since the storage is hidden, the room can look nice and tidy even if all the clutter is secretly stashed inside the table.

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The Chvans Farmhouse Square Lift-Top Coffee Table is a super practical piece of furniture if your home could use more farmhouse charm and less visible clutter. It has hidden storage, charging ports, a lift-top surface, and five color options, all for just $112. Be sure to snag one now while it’s still marked down this low at Walmart.

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If you're a human being and you've been to any kind of party, dance or wedding, chances are you're more than familiar with "Mony Mony." The classic track was a hit not once, but twice...and the second time it topped the charts, "Mony Mony" spawned a raunchy call-and-response trend that was so popular, it ended up getting banned.

Originally released as a single in 1968 on the Tommy James & the Shondells album of the same name, "Mony Mony" was a huge success in the U.S., where it peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100, and an even bigger triumph in the U.K., where it went all the way to #1.

Not too bad for a song that was initially "pasted together," as James explained in a 2009 interview with Songfacts.

"Originally, we did the track without a song," James said. "The idea was to create a party rock record, and in 1968 that was pretty much a throwback to the early '60s. Nobody was making party rock records really in 1968. There were a few, Archie Bell and the Drells kind of did something with 'Tighten Up' and stuff like that, but nobody was doing those big-drum-California-sun-what-I-sing-money-type songs. So we went in the studio, and we pasted this thing together out of drums here, and a guitar riff here. It was called sound surgery, and we finally put it together in probably a month."

"We had most of the words to the song, but we still had no title," he continued. "And it's just driving us nuts, because we're looking for like a 'Sloopy' or some crazy name — it had to be a two-syllable girl's name that was memorable and silly and kind of stupid sounding. So, we knew what kind of a word we had, it's just that everything we came up with sounded so bad. So, Ritchie Cordell, my songwriting partner and I, are up in my apartment up at 888 Eighth Avenue in New York. And finally we get disgusted, we throw our guitars down, we go out on the terrace, we light up a cigarette, and we look up into the sky. And the first thing our eyes fall on is the Mutual of New York Insurance Company. M-O-N-Y. True story. With a dollar sign in the middle of the O, and it gave you the time and the temperature."

"I had looked at this thing for years, and it was sitting there looking me right in the face," James added. "We saw this at the same time, and we both just started laughing. We said, 'That's perfect! What could be more perfect than that?' Mony, M-O-N-Y, Mutual of New York. We must have laughed for about ten minutes, and we finally go in — and that became the title of the song."

Nearly 20 years later, Billy Idol brought "Mony Mony" back to the top of the charts with his live cover, which became his first and only #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1987.

Of course, the song quickly became a go-to for DJs looking to get the party started. Somewhere along the way, fans developed a call-and-response chant that was (and still is) frequently shouted, with great enthusiasm, during breaks in the song: "Hey, say what, get laid, get f—d!"

Unfortunately for school administrators across the country, the chant became a particularly beloved tradition at high school dances, leading to bans at many schools, according to Ultimate Classic Rock.

In 1989, the Chicago Tribune interviewed Griff Powell, superintendent of Grayslake Community High School, where students protested against "Mony Mony" being banned at the prom.

”Look, I remember when protests were against the war in Vietnam, and for civil rights," Powell said. "And I've been watching the situation in China, and what those students in Beijing were standing up for. Somehow, I just can`t get my heart into being upset about whether 'Mony Mony' should be allowed at the prom.”

High school bans didn't stop Idol from incorporating the chant into an updated version of the song, released in 2018.

Related: 1974 No. 1 One-Hit Wonder Became a Timeless Party Anthem

Filter fans may have finally found their antidote. After teasing new material for months, frontman Richard Patrick has just confirmed that new music is indeed on the way, and it’s expected to arrive in early 2027.  

In a new interview with Rocking With Jam Man, transcribed by Blabbermouth, Patrick offered a glimpse into what’s next for Filter, a band whose catalog has long blended industrial edge, crushing riffs, and constant evolution. 

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“Filter is evolving in a way that it's a gorgeous ever-changing thing, and I'm very proud of it,” Patrick said, adding that the tentatively titled forthcoming album, The Antidote, is “kind of similar to TheAlgorithm. That's why I called it The Antidote.”

Filter released The Algorithm in 2023. Their eighth studio album, it served as a conceptual statement of the band’s evolution. Filter released an expanded version of the album two years later with The Algorithm: Ultra Edition, which included reimagined cuts, reinterpretations of track, and a few covers. 

“It's heavy sounding, but it's also beautiful and light in certain areas,” he said of The Antidote. “Just like all the other Filter records, there's that moment of brightness on it sonically. So, it's a gorgeous record. I'm really proud of it. It's gonna come out hopefully early next year.”

Founded in 1993 by the former Nine Inch Nails touring guitarist, Filter shared the ’90s soundscape with bands blending heavy grunge, alternative rock, and electronic-laced industrial music, with Filter's own signature caustic, metallic aggression rising to the top. 

Making their debut with Short Bus in 1995, Filter won a following with hits including “Hey Man, Nice Shot,” “Dose,” and “So Cool,” before winning over critics with their acclaimed Title of Record in 1999, on which “Take a Picture” and “Welcome to the Fold” take center stage. 

“Filter is the most fun [of all my projects],” Patrick said, “because it is just a complete and total reflection of how I feel on a daily basis. I wake up and I’m mad, I get to write an angry Filter song. If I’m happy, I can write something a little bit more beautiful. … That’s why I love Filter as my ultimate baby. It’s my band. It’s a child of mine.”

With The Antidote, Patrick said he’s bringing that same intensity, creativity, and versatility to the record, ensuring that the track list will pull from every era of Filter. 

“I would hope that the audience gets everything they want from a Filter record,” he said.

Teasing more from the album, Patrick name-dropped The Antidote’s first track. “Snakes in the Grass,” he said, sounds like a fusion of Short Bus and a sequencer, but leans into the band’s heavier sound. It’s a song the band has been playing live for the past couple weeks. 

Though not on an official tour, Filter is making stops around the nation, with support from era-defining bands like Tool, The Prodigy, Toadies, and Sublime. Dates and ticket information can be found here. 

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If there was one band in all of rock history that was most qualified to write a road trip anthem, it would have to be the Grateful Dead. Not only were their live concerts so iconic that scores of Deadheads followed them around the country as a way of life, but they toured pretty much incessantly: Between the mid-1960s and the mid-1990s, they played an estimated 2300 shows.

Of course, there were plenty of misadventures along the way. One of those unexpected detours inspired "Truckin'," originally released as a single from the classic album American Beauty in 1970.

"In the spring of 1970, the hardest thing about touring was getting up in the morning," the late Bob Weir recalled in a 2017 interview with the Wall Street Journal. "We were young and full of fun, and we didn’t go to bed real early. We were on the road a lot, and our nightly 'celebrations' probably made touring more difficult than it had to be. But that was the name of the game for us."

As Weir went on to explain, Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter occasionally traveled with the band in those days. One day in March 1970, Hunter pulled a lyric sheet from his luggage with the title "Truckin'" at the top and handed it to Jerry Garcia.

"Jerry liked what he read, and we planned to work on the music as soon as we had some down time," Weir continued, adding, "At first, the meaning of Hunter’s lyric was a mystery to us. But the words became clear the more we read them. For example, Hunter included our New Orleans incident two months earlier in January."

The infamous "New Orleans incident" involved local police officers searching the band members' rooms while they were playing a gig in the city finding their "stash."

"A bunch of us were arrested, but a settlement was reached," Weir said.

Jerry Garcia

Photo by Kypros on Getty Images

The lyrics tell the tale:

Busted, down on Bourbon Street / Set up, like a bowlin’ pin / Knocked down, it gets to wearin’ thin / They just won’t let you be

It wasn't until later that month that the band finally had a chance to work on the music for the song.

"We were booked to play a theme park in Dania Beach, Fla., called Pirates World," Weir said. "At our motel, we had the afternoon off, so the band sat by the pool. I don’t believe Hunter was there...The writing of the song took us only about 2½ hours, if that."

The rest, as they say, is rock history. "Truckin'" went on to become one of the Grateful Dead's signature songs; in fact, it was played over 500 times live. And all these years later, it's still the perfect addition to any road trip playlist. Like Garcia sings on the track...what a long, strange trip it's been.

Related: 1987 Survival Anthem That 'Almost Killed' Legendary Rock Band Became Their Only Top 10 Hit

Soccer fans across America were certainly thrilled to see Team USA win another World Cup match on Friday, June 19.

The global spectacle, set in the States this time around, is certainly boosted by the entertainment surrounding it, including an official soundtrack that features plenty of renowned musicians.

After just eight days of action on the pitch, fans around the world are evidently streaming, sharing, singing and dancing to the Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Album. Blending football, music and entertainment, the music movement is unfolding in real time, connecting fans everywhere through a shared celebration that reaches far beyond the pitch.

The global momentum is currently reflected in chart performance, per FIFA's recent news release. The Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Album has generated 336 million streams, ranked at a standout number three on Spotify’s Top Albums Debut global chart between June 5 and 7. Plus, the Shakira and Burna Boy hit "Dai Dai" currently ranks 10th among Spotify’s Top 50 global tracks.

In addition to "Dai Dai," the songs "DNA" (by Andrea Bocelli, David Guetta, Megan Thee Stallion and EJAE) and "Game Time" (by Future and Tyla) are currently featured on Shazam’s Global Top 200 among the top 20 most-discovered tracks worldwide this week.

Across video platforms, the Official Album is continuing to drive engagement, generating 364 million views on YouTube across its 19 music videos and visualizers. "Dai Dai" and "Champions" (by IShowSpeed) rank Nos. 1 and 2 on YouTube’s Top 100 Music Videos Global chart this week, per FIFA.

“Around the world, fans are not only celebrating the FIFA World Cup on the pitch, but singing and dancing to it as well,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino in a statement. “The incredible success of FIFA Sound, as it climbs the world’s charts and resonates across every continent, shows how this tournament has become a global celebration of football, music and culture.”

Other big names featured on the album include Jelly Roll and The Rolling Stones. Check out the track list in full on Spotify here.